Kick Off: Angel-Chivas negotiations still under way for '12

Both Juan Pablo Angel and Chivas USA are adamant a new contract will happen. When exactly? That's less clear. “It's a possibility,” Chivas USA GM Jose Domene said when asked if Angel could be unsigned come opening day. JPA, however, did play a half against Portland yesterday, though. “If we were far away [on his contract], he wouldn't be here,” Domene said.

If Angel does consider leaving Southern California, he may want to get some perspective from former Goat Michael Umaña. The defender has described his move to Guatemala as a “backwards" one. (SPANISH)

In Chivas's match against Portland, the teams drew 1-1. The Timbers goal was scored by Supplemental Draft pick Ryan Kawulok, whose goal celebration doubled as a celebration of his making the club. "I used a swim move and got behind their defender. I think I hit [the ball] left-footed," Kawulok said.

Of course, all the officiating training in the world doesn't help some situations. During a 'friendly' in Costa Rica, Philadelphia's game broke out into a mass brawl and was called off. Belen, who were two goals ahead, accused the Union of “anti-football” on their website and posted highlights. (VIDEO)

Danny Cruz has his own ideas about anti-football. Rough tackles in a friendly against the Charleston Battery left both his ankles bruised and swollen, though thankfully not fractured as feared. “I’ve never been tackled like that before,” Cruz said.

Chicago Fire attackers Dominic Oduro and Patrick Nyarko, meanwhile, is raring to go. They made their international debuts with Ghana and impressed none other than AC Milan midfielder Sully Muntari. “I hope [Oduro] will continue to contribute to our national team. He is getting to be well known, because he is a very good player," Muntari said.

Nyarko tried to soak up the experience. “I was kind of star-struck when I joined the team. I saw Sulley, I saw Derek Boateng. I grew up watching those guys play, and to be on the field with the national anthem was being played, that was the most special moment in my life. I just stood there and wondered if this was a dream.”

Flores has to wait six years before he can drink legally, but when he can, he might want to check out Redhook's latest beer. It's a Sounders-inspired brew, made in conjunction with the Emerald City Supporters. The Free Beer Movement already has pictures.

That's not all that's new around Seattle. Former captain Kasey Keller has a new job. In addition to his Sounders commentary gig, he'll work part-time as an analyst for ESPN.

Maybe Keller can get Sigi Schmid to open up about Herculez Gomez. The Santos Laguna forward stoked tensions ahead of the upcoming CCL match with Seattle by discussing his time with Schmid at the Galaxy, questioning Schmid's man-management. Schmid isn't playing into any supposed feud. "I don't quite understand it. I don't know,” the manager said.

One of the midfielders with similar attributes is Michael Nanchoff. Now that he's finally fit and gearing up for the season, he was asked to describe his general feeling lately. His reply? “Awesomeness.”

Returning to Southern California, the Galaxy might have another Home Grown Player lined up. CSU Bakersfield forward Gyasi Zardes has decided to stay in college for his final year instead of joining LA, but still plans to make the jump next season. "He stayed to finish his degree, nothing else," coach Simon Tobin added. "He loves the Galaxy — he is a Southern California kid."